Much-loved for his technical touch and passing range, Orlando Pirates have taken a clear risk with the signing of Sipho Mbule.
The 27-year-old from Bethlehem, Free State, was available on a free transfer after Mamelodi Sundowns opted against a contract renewal on his expired deal.
According to reports, Mbule lost his place at Sundowns after he had reported for training under the influence of alcohol.
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“MasterChef needs to understand that he is not at Pirates because they pity him, he is here because of his unmatched talent,” the former Orlando Pirates midfielder told Kick Off.
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“Our chairman, Dr. Irvin Khoza, is a parent and a father figure; he has always provided players with a platform to perform.
“Mbule is not the first player to receive such an opportunity from the chairman. I had my share of mischief as well. Before me, there were other troublesome players like Metroblitz (Mandla Sithole) and Tso (Ernest Makhanya), and more.
“So what Sipho must realize is that he is not the first special case to join Pirates. With Dr. Khoza, he not only has a father figure but also a man who understands the challenges faced by young black boys.
ORLANDO PIRATES WEIGHT AND HISTORY
“I asked Sipho Mbule what he would like to be remembered for by the club’s spiritual owners. I am genuinely excited about Mbule’s signing,” Moloi continued.
“This is the first time I am revealing this, but I feel I should share it. Before the friendly game against Arsenal, Pirates played a match where I arrived at camp at 2 a.m. with a teammate, whose name I won’t mention, and we were not in good condition.
“I told Sipho yesterday, ‘Forget what people are saying about you. They know the talent you possess, and your discipline will improve.’ I encouraged him to focus on making the spiritual owners proud,” the former Orlando Pirates midfielder added.
“When I first met him yesterday, he seemed reserved, but after our conversation, he was smiling and laughing. Instead of saying to him, ‘Man, stay away from the bottle!’, I helped him understand that he was at home at Pirates.
“After that, I had a chance to escape the pressures of South African football. Few people know that I was heading in Sipho Mbule’s direction, but thanks to the role the chairman played in my life, I managed to bounce back and help Pirates win the league title in 1994,” Moloi concluded.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM SIPHO MBULE AT ORLANDO PIRATES?
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